Our Team
Founded by sisters passionate about VET
The story of Hawkeye Consultancy begins with our founders: twin sisters Alicia and Katya Holker, who are obsessed with finding innovative and fun ways to educate and empower like-minded professionals within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) community.
Our team’s reputation
Since its inception in 2017, our growing team at Hawkeye Consultancy has gained a reputation for a fresh approach to compliance offering nationwide services to compliant conscious professionals and education providers. Our passion and commitment to helping our clients continue their success stories is manifested by our ability to break down government legislation and requirements into ‘bite-sized’, easy-to-digest information.
Choosing a name was extremely important to us. It needed to be sharp; appropriate but also meaningful to who we are and how far we’ve come. So why Hawkeye you ask? Well, it’s a salute to past colleagues who nicknamed us Hawkeye Holkers; for our hawkeye-esque execution and attention to detail. Without their guidance, beliefs and efforts, we would not have developed into the professionals we are today; for this, we thank them.
Over 85+ years combined experience
With over eight dedicated specialist consultants and over 85 years of combined experience in our field, our expertise, and obvious passion for all things compliance shines through in the work we do. With multiple experience points across our staff in everything related to VET, RTOs, compliance and problem-solving, we provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to those that we work with, using this to make compliance easy.
It’s also clear to all we work with that we take a fresh approach to compliance in many ways, as we continue to achieve what many think is impossible: to make compliance fun.
A supportive team and workplace
Workplace culture is equally as important to us as education. We have a dedicated development team and are passionate about creating an inclusive and happy workplace. Our team’s fresh yet professional approach is evident in their happiness, dedication and passion to providing our clients with only the highest of quality services.
Alicia Holker
Managing Partner
Anyone with experience in the VET sector knows that compliance can be challenging. That is, unless you love it. That’s when it becomes a natural progression to assist RTOs to address their compliance challenges with ease.
Alicia Holker co-founded Hawkeye Consultancy to leverage her industry expertise to assist RTOs with compliance. With over 10 years of experience in a range of senior roles in the VET sector, she has a practical, solution-focused approach and is known for her extraordinary commitment to Hawkeye’s clients.
Having participated in numerous VET Investment and User Choice program audits over the past six years, Alicia has gained unparalleled experience in the area of Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS). It’s this extensive hands-on audit experience and continual improvement focus that underpins the Hawkeye team’s fresh approach to compliance.
Alicia holds several industry-relevant qualifications including a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Diploma of Project Management and a Diploma of Business.
With a passion for her industry, she believes that ‘education is the stepping stone to success’. Alicia employs this philosophy both in the development of her own skills and in empowering and educating her clients to achieve more.
- Alicia has an energetic Border Collie named Rusty and enjoys spending time at the beach.
- Having used to play AFL, Alicia is an avid Lions supporter.
- She enjoys volunteering at the RSPCA, trivia and spending quality time with family and friends.
Katya Holker
Managing Partner
Katya Holker is a nationally recognised leader in Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, known for transforming how providers approach compliance—from a regulatory burden into a strategic strength. With over a decade of experience and an eye for clarity, Katya co-founded Hawkeye Consultancy, a firm built on the belief that compliance doesn’t have to be dry or daunting—it can be empowering, impactful, and even a little fun.
Katya has partnered with hundreds of providers across government, enterprise, not-for-profit, and private settings, bringing deep expertise in compliance leadership, academic quality, and student support systems. She is a respected authority on the Standards for RTOs, National Code 2018, ESOS Act, and the full spectrum of state-funded training contracts.
Her strategic lens is matched by her sector influence. As Chair of the ITECA Queensland Committee, Katya actively contributes to policy reform, championing practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that elevate provider capability and learner outcomes. She engages collaboratively with peak bodies, education leaders, and regulators to drive clarity, accountability, and innovation in VET.
Recognised in 2023 as the Southeast Queensland Trainer of the Year, Katya is as passionate about great teaching as she is about good governance. Her delivery style—whether in a boardroom or a national conference—is bold, relatable, and refreshingly real.
Katya holds qualifications in business, auditing, and training and assessment, and is currently pursuing legal studies to further strengthen her regulatory expertise. Whether she’s leading a validation masterclass or mapping policy to practice, she brings both intellect and authenticity to every project.
When she’s not decoding clauses or mentoring new trainers, you’ll find her volunteering, escaping from (fictional) locked rooms, or nurturing her expanding plant collection.
Milka Thorun
SMS & LMS Consultant
Milka is a Trainer and Assessor, Admin All-rounder, and Hospitality Manager with 17 years of experience working in the Hospitality industry and 6 years in the VET sector. Milka specialises in administrative technology and is responsible for educating other employees on using progressive systems and applications such as aXcelerate and Cloud Assess. Milka is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
- Milka is inspired daily by her 3 pugs.
- In her free time, Milka likes to explore with the pugs, Rambo, Ruby & Ronda, and rescues and fosters dogs of all sizes.
- Flat pack furniture is easy-peasy to Milka, she is your go-to in the office!
Pia Pynnonen
Consultant
Pia has worked in the vet sector for over ten years, starting her career as a trainer assessor for the early childhood sector. Through this role, she found she had a keen eye for compliance and the ability to find errors and work on developing strategies to rectify them. Her keen eye progressed her career toward compliance and content development.
Having experience working in various sized RTOS, Pia has developed an expert understanding of all aspects of audit preparation and rectifications. Working in both Victoria and Queensland, Pia is familiar with the state funding nuances, asqa requirements, assessment development, and validations.
Pia utilises her experience to support our clients with all assessment development aspects that satisfy regulatory requirements.
- Pia has three young children that keep her busy while motivating her to excel and be a good role model.
Amy Conrad
Junior Consultant
Amy has been a Trainer & Assessor since 2018 and holds a dual Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management (of Learning). Her professional journey in education began as an Educational Leader in the ECEC sector, where she discovered a passion for working with others to navigating complex legislation, regulatory compliance, and industry frameworks, finding satisfaction in making these requirements more accessible and practical for others.
- Amy is currently studying for a Diploma of Quality Auditing.
- Born and raised in Zimbabwe, she has also lived in the UK and the beautiful state of Colorado, USA, before making the Gold Coast her home.
- An avid outdoor enthusiast, she loves running and hiking with her two dogs, swimming in the ocean, and spending quality time with her best girlfriends.
Sunshine Sacdalan
Administration Assistant
Meet Sunshine, a Creative Virtual Assistant and all-rounder admin assistant who effortlessly wears multiple hats with grace. As a mother of two, family is at the core of Sunshine’s world, and she seamlessly blends her roles as a dedicated parent and a professional.
Beginning her journey as a graphic designer in a B2B company, Sunshine has evolved into a social media manager, contributing to the company’s online success. Her creativity and strategic acumen shine through in shaping the brand’s digital presence.
Beyond the digital realm, Sunshine finds joy in crafting delicious meals for her family, transforming the kitchen into a canvas for her culinary creations. Her love for playing with her kids and creating lasting family memories underscores her commitment to the precious moments of motherhood.
Sunshine is inspired by the global connections her work brings, amazed at collaborating with diverse individuals worldwide. With a heart full of warmth, she aspires to give sunshine to those around her, embodying positivity and radiance in her interactions.
In her pursuit of dreams and career, Sunshine remains dedicated to her paramount role as a mom, illustrating that one can achieve professional success while cherishing the joys of motherhood.
Eliza McClure
Learning Design and Development
Having entered the VET sector as an administrator and rapidly advancing to the role of a compliance manager, Eliza’s diverse experience spans multiple levels of the VET industry. With a strong passion for learning design, assessment tool development, and validation, Eliza is a professional who embodies a comprehensive skill set.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Training and Development, Eliza’s qualification journey was facilitated by her extensive engagement in the VET sector. Eliza’s journey has not only fortified her skills but also honed her expertise in assessment tool development, validation, and learning design.
- Beyond her professional pursuits, Eliza is an avid crochet enthusiast who takes delight in Pilates sessions and connecting with nature.
- During weekends, she relishes quality time spent with her husband and their remarkably energetic son.
Glenda Fieldes
Quality Assurance Consultant
Glenda began her career in the nursing field. Following starting her family, she quickly transitioned to quality management and the accreditation of Defence Medical facilities to meet the relevant ISO standards.
She has provided consultancy services for small businesses and RTO’s for over 25 years and has successfully registered three RTO’s and reregistered RTO’s, participating in over nine ASQA audits. Glenda has held varied managerial roles, collaboratively consulting, developing, registering, and rolling out the national Defence Injury Prevention Program with the Defence Health Sector.
Glenda holds Advanced Diplomas in Business and Leadership diplomas, a dual Diploma in TAE, an Auditing Diploma, and a Graduate Qualification in Leadership (education and training).
Glenda’s passion is all things VET professional development
- Glenda loves spending time with her precious family, especially her 4-year-old grandson Bear is a delight.
- She loves writing, the creative arts, live productions, film and music, not to mention her favourite singer/songwriter is her Grammy-nominated daughter.
Quojie Pearl Chiang
Resource Coordinator
Quojie is a passionate TAE Trainer and Assessor with over five years of experience in the training and assessment sector. Starting her career as a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines, she has seamlessly transitioned into training roles, bringing infectious enthusiasm and strong communication skills to the forefront. Quojie holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is dedicated to ongoing personal and professional development.
In her previous roles as a Training Specialist and Training and Education Trainer and Assessor, she designed engaging learning materials and facilitated diverse online training sessions, empowering students to achieve their TAE qualifications. Her expertise includes evaluating training effectiveness through constructive feedback and guiding participants toward their personal and professional goals. Additionally, her experience in Training Operations involves implementing and monitoring training programs, preparing facilities and materials, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure smooth operations. With over 15 years of customer service experience, she brings valuable insights that enhance learner engagement and support.
Outside of work, Quojie enjoys being on the beach, watching sunsets and swimming for relaxation. Fueled by her love for new challenges, she is currently learning the German language.
Angelo Gagani
Junior Consultant
Michelle Kawale
Junior Consultant
Michelle holds a Diploma in Business and dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Law and International Relations. Since graduating in 2019, she has gained extensive professional experience in lending, political education, legal practice, and justice administration. In 2021, she was admitted to the legal profession in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Her keen interest in the interaction between policy and legislation enables her to provide Hawkeye clients with careful, strategic support, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks in the VET sector.
- Michelle was born and raised in Papua New Guinea and speaks Tok Pisin. She enjoys exploring music in different languages, including Hindi.
- In her free time, she enjoys playing golf with family and friends, taking walks with her dog, and writing reviews on books and movies.
Let us make your RTO compliance easy
Let our passionate, professional, experienced and fun team guide you to easy RTO compliance with our expert consultancy services. Talk to one of our experts about how we can help.
Or call us on (07) 2113 3870
